💰 A single 1982 coin just sold for nearly $400,000—and yours could be next! This isn’t just pocket change; it’s potentially one of the most valuable modern errors ever discovered. Here’s why collectors are paying insane money for this anomaly.
Why a 1982 Coin Could Be Worth $398,000
✔️ Transition Year Rarity – 1982 was the year the U.S. Mint switched from 95% copper to zinc pennies
✔️ Ultra-Rare Error Type – Possible wrong planchet strike, double die, or off-metal composition
✔️ Only 3-5 Known Examples – Extreme scarcity drives value
✔️ PCGS/NGC Certified – Authentication is critical for premium pricing
🔍 Key Features That Make It Valuable:
- Weight: 3.1g (copper) vs. 2.5g (zinc) – A copper 1982-D penny sold for $18,800
- Double Die Obverse (DDO): Strong doubling on date/LIBERTY
- Transitional Error: Struck on a silver dime planchet (weighs ~2.2g)

How to Check If Your 1982 Coin Is a Six-Figure Rarity
1. The 10-Second Test
✅ Weigh It – Copper (3.1g) or wrong planchet (2.2g for dime, 5.7g for quarter)
✅ Magnet Test – Zinc pennies stick, copper/silver errors do not
✅ Check for Doubling – Use a 10x loupe on date and lettering
2. Authenticity Red Flags
❌ Normal zinc 1982 penny = Worth $0.01
❌ Plated or altered coins (unnatural color/weight)
❌ Post-mint damage (scratches, acid marks)
3. Condition & Variety Determine Value
Error Type | Circulated Value | MS-63+ Value |
---|---|---|
1982 Copper Small Date | $15,000 | $100,000+ |
1982-D DDO Penny | $5,000 | $50,000+ |
Wrong Planchet Strike | $50K+ | $398,000+ |
The $398,000 Coin’s Discovery Story
- Found: 2019 in a CoinStar reject tray (originally thought to be a dime)
- Authenticated: PCGS confirmed it was struck on a silver dime planchet
- Auctioned: Sold for $398,000 in a 2023 private sale
“I almost spent it as a regular penny—now it’s paying off my mortgage!”
— Anonymous finder
What To Do If You Find a Rare 1982 Coin
- DO NOT CLEAN IT – Even wiping can erase $100,000+ in value
- Photograph Under Magnification – Capture all errors
- Submit to PCGS/NGC – Certification is mandatory for top dollar
- Insure Immediately – Ultra-rare coins are theft targets
⚠️ Beware of Fakes!
❌ Weight-altered coins (drilled or filed)
❌ Laser-etched doubling (real errors look organic)
❌ eBay scams (“uncertified rarities” for $10K+)
Free 1982 Error Coin Evaluation
📸 Email photos to 1982Error@CoinVerify.com
📞 Text “1982FORTUNE” to 555-1982 for expert review
[💰 Market Alert: Collectors are paying 20% premiums for raw coins before grading!]
P.S. That old jar of 1980s coins might hold a life-changing error—start searching TODAY!
🔥 Reply “1982RARE” for VIP authentication priority 🔥
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